DRUITTS - Key Persons
Chris specialises in residential and commercial conveyancing, having practised exclusively in this area since qualifying as a solicitor in 2000.
Chris deals with all aspects of property work, including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, mortgages, transfers of equity, equity releases, leasehold enfranchisement claims, lease extensions and business lease renewals. He has successfully helped thousands of families and individuals with their property matters during his time at Druitts.
Since qualifying as a solicitor, Chris has undertaken additional professional development courses in probate and estate administration and since becoming a Partner in 2002 he has supervised the Private Client Department, quickly gaining experience in probate and estate matters. He is regularly appointed as an Executor and Court of Protection Deputy.
Chris completed a BSc (Hons) degree in Economics at the University of Bradford before undertaking the Graduate Diploma in Law at the University of Huddersfield and the Legal Practice Course at the University of Exeter. Chris began working at Druitts in August 1998, spending his first 2 years completing his training contract. During the last 20 years Chris has developed his knowledge and a skillset such that he is now very experienced in the areas of law in which he practises.
Chris is proud to be continuing his family's connection with Druitts, his grandfather and uncle having been former senior partners
Chris Specialises in :
Conveyancing
Commercial Conveyancing and Leases
Clare specialises in family law, having practised exclusively in this area since qualifying as a solicitor in 1991.
Clare's particular expertise is dealing with financial disputes, including high value claims in the Principal Registry and claims involving pensions and complex issues relating to business assets. Clare also has substantial experience dealing with disputes relating to arrangements for children following the breakdown of relationships. She is a collaboratively trained lawyer so encourages clients to deal with relationship problems in a constructive, non-confrontational manner.
Clare has acted for, and supported thousands of clients throughout her career, guiding them through the complexities and emotional trauma of relationship breakdowns.
Clare completed a LLB (Hons) degree in law and worked at a legal firm in Gloucester for 16 years year's as both an Associate Solicitor and later as a Partner. Having taken a four year career break she returned to the legal profession in 2010 and has continued to provide sensible, constructive advice in all areas of family law.
James Druitt built Borough Chambers specifically as a Bournemouth office for Druitts Solicitors. Druitts remains in the same office today delivering the same traditional quality service but combined with a modern approach.
Kay specialises in litigation and deals with dispute resolution work to include will and trust disputes and Inheritance Act claims, acting for claimants, defendants, trustees, executors and beneficiaries. She also deals with personal injury claims, employment law, professional negligence claims, building disputes and contract disputes, Kay has a BA (Hons) degree in Law and Economics from Bournemouth University.
Kay completed the Solicitors' Final Examination at the College of Law at Chester. She undertook her training contract at a long-established firm in Southampton and qualified as a solicitor in 1990. Since qualification Kay has specialised in litigation. She joined Druitts in 2002 and became a Director in 2010.
Kay has been involved in the preparation of complex cases in the Court of Appeal, the House of Lords, and the European Court. Most recently she successfully acted for a claimant in a High Court deathbed gift claim resulting in judgement in the claimant's favour. This case was reported and commented on in the national press and in a number of legal updates. Kay provides legal advice and services to both private and corporate clients.
Kay Specialises In :
Disputes / Litigation
Employment Law
Personal Injury
Will Disputes
Job Titles:
- Fellow
- Tax Advisor
- Taxation Advisor
Lesley is a qualified taxation advisor and has over 25 years' experience in dealing with tax matters, to include personal, trust and estate matters. She became a Fellow of the Association or Taxation Technicians in 2008 following becoming a member since 2002. Lesley has been a member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) since 2008 and regularly attends local meetings to keep her knowledge up to date.
Lesley specialises in personal and trust tax advice, including capital gains tax and inheritance tax. She also deals with self-assessment tax returns and associated advice to minimize client's tax liability.
Lesley joined Druitts in 2001 following working for national and local accountancy firms within private client and personal tax departments since her qualification.
Oscar G. Vernon bought the practice from the Druitts in 1945 after the War. He practiced in partnership with A.W.G. Lockyer for many happy years. In 1973 Victor Horsfall-Turner (son-in-law of the late Mr Vernon) acquired the practice and from 2002 until his retirement in August 2010 was in partnership with Chris Clifford (Mr Vernon's grandson).
Druitts incorporated into a limited company in August 2010 with Chris Clifford and Kay Donalson becoming directors. Chris is proud to be following in the footsteps of his grandfather Oscar Vernon and his uncle Victor Horsfall-Turner, both previous Senior Partners, by continuing his family's connection with Druitts.
Interested in our history? Then why not have a read A Day in the History of Druitts from the recollections of Bruce Brewer who was an Office Boy in 1939.
Job Titles:
- Lawyer ( FCILEx )
- Lawyer ( FCILEx ) SUPPORT
Teresa joined Druitts in January 2018 as a Private Client Chartered Legal Executive and specialises in wills and probate, administration of estates, lasting powers of attorney and trust work.
Alongside her Private Client work, Teresa is also experienced in all areas of Family Law. She continues to undertake some family work and supports the family department.
Teresa has over 25 years' experience in the legal profession. After being admitted as a Member of the Institute of Legal Executives in 1998, Teresa was admitted as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in 2003. She is now a Chartered Legal Executive.
Teresa is committed to providing excellent service. She enjoys taking time to ensure clients feel supported during the progression of cases. Her client feedback is testament to her dedication.
- I just wanted to say a huge thank you, made me feel really comfortable and were just so kind and considerate and helpful- professional and efficient
-Teresa was understanding, efficient and professional at all times, thank you
-Prompt service, kept informed or progress, easy to arrange meetings and discussions
-Everything was fully explained and all questions answered
Contact Teresa directly or make an appointment through the office, she will be happy to assist you.
The Private Client Department is supervised by Chris Clifford, Solicitor/Director. The Family Department is supervised by Kay Donalson, Solicitor/Director.
Teresa Williamson Specialises In :
Wills
Powers of Attorney
Trusts
Probate and Estate Administration
Inheritance Tax Planning
Court of Protection